Chandima, Lakmali fly high at Carrom
Udesh Chandima and Chalani Lakmali of Sri Lanka Air Force flew high at the Grand Slam Carrom Championship 2019 organised and conducted by the Carrom Federation, worked off at the Carrom Federation Headquarters, Kohuwala recently.
Chandima exhibited a high quality of slicing to overcome the reigning national champion, Royalist Shaheed Hilmy, 2-1 in the finals. In the semi-finals Chandima created the major upset of the tournament when he trounced world champion Nishantha Fernando 2-1 in a hard fought clash.
A total of 23 players, both men and women qualified for this tournament which was the latest ranking tournament after the 51st National Championships 2019.
Eleven Slams (finish the frame at the first turn of the player) were reported at the event with Shaheed Hilmy leading with three slams. Nishantha Fernando made two slams while Udesh Chandima, Anas Ahamed, Prameda Mendis, Suraj Maduwantha, Dineth Dulakshan and Joseph Roshitha made one slam each.
Positions at the conclusion of the tournament
Men: 1. Udesh Chamdima (Sri Lanka Air Force), 2. Shaheed Hilmy (Royal College, Colombo), 3. Dineth Dulakshana (Sri Lanka Air Force), 4. Hasitha Anuruddha (Sri Lanka Air Force, 5. Nishantha Fernando (Sri Lanka Navy), 6. Anas Ahamed (Sri Lanka Army), 7. Avon Wickremasinghe (Sri Lanka Air Force) 8. M. Sheriffdin (Sri Lanka Army)
Women: 1. Chalani Lakmali (Sri Lanka Air Force), 2. Joseph Roshitha (Sri Lanka Navy), 3. M. Chitradevi (Sri Lanka Army), 4. Maduwanthi Gunadaasa (Sri Lanka Army), 5. Rebecca Dalrine (Sri Lanka Army), 6. Maduka Dilshani (Sri Lanka Army), 7. Tashmila Kavindi (Mahamaya Balika Vidyalaya, Nugegoda), 8. Shahsika Sandamali (SRi Lanka Army)